Frederick Donald "Don" Roach

January 23, 2020

Frederick Donald “Don” Roach was brought into the world on December 31, 1926 in Greenfield, OK and was welcomed back into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on January 20, 2020 at his home in Watonga, OK while surrounded by his family. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Thomas Roach and Ruth Francis Miller Roach; his sister, Vonda Jo Roach; his daughter, Deborah Sue Roach Schenk; his son, Larry Don Roach and his great-grandchild, Micah Hinkle. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Jean Burnett Roach of the home; his son-in-law, Dr. Curtis Schenk of Watonga, OK; his daughter-in-law, Jane Roach Crawford and her husband, Leroy, of Piedmont, OK; six grandchildren: Julie Roach Moore and her husband, Will, of Oklahoma City, OK, Jarrod Roach and his wife, Magan, of Piedmont, OK, Justin Roach and his wife, Melissa, of Piedmont, OK, Derek Schenk and his wife, Tricia, of Frisco, TX, Ryan Schenk and his wife, Kelli, of Edmond, OK and Lori Schenk Hinkle and her husband, Jonathan, of Yukon, OK; and fifteen great-grandchildren: Abby, Alex, Bella, Benjamin, Braden, Chloe, Gavin, Halle, Josie, Levi, Lily, Lyndie, Makenna, Molly, and Walker. Don was born to Frederick and Ruth Roach at their home west of Greenfield on a farm that was partly procured in the Cheyenne-Arapaho Opening of the Oklahoma Land Run of 1892 by Don’s grandparents, Dudley and Nellie Roach. Don graduated from Greenfield High School in 1944 and was drafted to the United States Marines in 1945 to serve his country in World War II on Attu Island in the Aleutian Islands. Following his service, Don married the love of his life, Wanda Burnett, on March 22, 1947, and they were married for over 72 years until parted by his passing. Don and Wanda gave birth to a daughter, Deborah Roach Schenk and a son, Larry Roach. Don Roach was an extremely hard worker, and he farmed and ran cattle west of Greenfield until his health prevented him from continuing to do so. He and Wanda lived on the farm west of Greenfield until they moved to Watonga in 1965. Don was a fixture in the Watonga community. Each day, he could be found having morning coffee with friends at the Hi-De-Ho and then out working on the farm he loved. As much as Don loved to farm and to ranch, he was even more passionate about supporting the family whom he unconditionally loved. Don was a loyal Watonga Eagle, and although his daughter, Deborah, graduated from Greenfield High School, his son, Larry, and all six of his grandchildren graduated from Watonga High School. Since Larry’s freshman year in 1965-1966, Don and Wanda could be found at nearly every Watonga activity and event their children and grandchildren participated in and many they didn’t participate in. Beyond the Eagles, Don and Wanda were loyal fans and supporters of whatever school their family members were involved in. Their son, Larry, played football for the Sooners, and Don and Wanda reserved the same two season tickets since his first year of eligibility in 1969 until today. Don and Wanda attended nearly every Sooner home game, and some away, until they were no longer physically able. As their family grew larger with grandchildren and great-grandchildren in various locations beyond Watonga, Don and Wanda would continue to attend countless activities. Don Roach loved his country; he loved to farm, and he loved his family. However, the most enduring quality of a man who graced Blaine County with all but one of his 93, full and well-lived years, was his selfless generosity. Don Roach was a tireless giver of his time, his money, his support and most importantly, his love. If the measure of a man can be found in the legacy he leaves behind, then Don Roach was larger than life. For his family, friends and countless others who knew him, Don will live on as a quiet, unassuming hero whose example teaches us to love unconditionally and to give selflessly. We love you, Pap. Always. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6.

Graveside services for Don will be held Saturday,January 25, 2020 at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery Chapel in Watonga at 2:00 P.M.

The family will hold a visitation for family and friends Friday, January 24, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:30p.m. at Wilkinson Mortuary in Watonga. Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga in charge of arrangements.